Easy Tamale Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs.ground beef
- 1 mediumonion chopped
- 1red pepper finely diced
- 1jalapeno minced
- 2 clovesgarlic minced
- 1can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1can corn drained
reserve ½ cup for topping
- 2 tbsptomato paste
- 1 ½ tbspchili powder
- 2 tspground cumin
- ¾ cyellow cornmeal
- ¾ call-purpose flour
- 1 tspbaking powder
- ⅛ tspsalt
- ½ csour cream
- ¾ cmilk
- 2eggs beaten
- 2 tbspvegetable oil
- 1 ½ cshredded sharp cheddar cheese
reserve 1/2 cup for sprinkling on top
- 1jalapeno sliced in rings
- 2 tbspchopped fresh cilantro
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease or spray with nonstick cooking spray an 11x7 inch casserole dish.
- 2
Browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. After 3-4 minutes add the onions bell peppers and jalapeno. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions and bell peppers are soft.
- 3
Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute stirring continuously. Remove any excess grease from the skillet. Add the fire roasted tomatoes, corn, tomato paste, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- 4
In a large bowl whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Then mix in the sour cream, milk, beaten eggs, oil, cheese, and reserved corn. Stir just until combined.
- 5
Spoon the beef mixture into the casserole dish spreading evenly. Top with the cornbread mixture using a spatula to even the top. Sprinkle with reserved cheese and jalapeno rings. Bake 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs. Garnish with cilantro. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Easy Tamale Pie Recipe
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About this Recipe
Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? This Easy Tamale Pie recipe delivers on authentic flavors and satisfying simplicity, bringing a beloved old school tamale pie classic right to your kitchen table.
What sets this tamale pie apart is the perfect balance of a rich, savory ground beef filling, brightened with fire roasted tomatoes and a hint of spice, all crowned with a golden, cheesy cornbread crust. It’s a hearty meal that simplifies the traditional tamale experience without sacrificing any of the comforting taste or satisfying texture.
You can expect a wonderfully flavorful main meal where a robust ground beef mixture, seasoned with chili powder and cumin, meets a tender, cheesy cornbread topping. The diced onions, red pepper, and minced jalapeno add layers of depth and a gentle warmth to the beef, while the sharpness of cheddar cheese in the cornbread provides a delightful contrast. Each of the 8 servings offers a harmonious blend of textures and bold, Tex-Mex-inspired flavors, making this an excellent choice for a family dinner.
To dial up the heat in your cornbread tamale pie, you could add an extra minced jalapeno to the beef filling. For a milder flavor, simply reduce or omit the minced jalapeno entirely. While sharp cheddar cheese is called for, a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar would also provide a delicious, melty topping. If you don't have fire roasted tomatoes, regular diced tomatoes can be used in a pinch, though you might miss a touch of smoky depth.
This family-friendly Easy Tamale Pie is a fantastic main meal that stands proudly on its own, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Garnish with the reserved sliced jalapeno rings and fresh cilantro for a vibrant presentation before serving.